updated 03:04 pm EDT, Tue August 20, 2013

Live game video streaming service Twitch to be included on PS4

Sony has revealed the launch dates for the PlayStation 4 game console, among other details, at its Gamescom keynote presentation. Gamers will be able to pick up the console from retailers on November 15th in the United States, while Europeans will have to wait until November 29th, with the price remaining at $399 in the US, €399 in Europe, and £349 in the United Kingdom.

The company revealed that there have been over 1 million pre-orders for the console so far. In order to improve this further, Sony has signed deals with Ono, Orange, T-Mobile, and Virgin Media to provide high-speed Internet access to its customers in Europe, though little about this was revealed at the event, nor if a US equivalent will also be offered.

In terms of what gamers will be able to expect, Sony confirmed that Twitch will be available for users to stream live games to online viewers, increasing its online sharing options. Music Unlimited, the streaming service that appeared on the PS3, will also appear on the PS4 with some improvements, such as being able to listen to music in the background while games are being played, and main menu controls for quick changes. The Playroom, a collection of demonstrations to show what the DualShock 4 controller and PS4 Eye can do, will also be pre-installed onto consoles.

The PlayStation Vita has not been left out of proceedings, with Sony announcing that it is dropping the recommended retail price of the handheld gaming system to $199 as of tomorrow. Memory cards for the Vita will also be lowered in price.